First Class is Loaded

Sometimes people in First Class on a commercial airliner take advantage of the free alcohol.  I have to admit, on early morning flights I like a shot of Bailey's in my coffee.  If it's a long flight, perhaps more than one, or two, or three - especially if there's a cab ride at the end.  And sometimes the flight attendants keep bringing that bottle of white wine by, and topping off my glass...  Who am I to be rude and refuse?

But there's apparently a preference within the Federal Air Marshal's Service for wide, comfy seats at the front of the plane, which The Air Transport Association (ATA - the trade group for large airlines) is taking issue with.  When the marshals' ranks were boosted dramatically post Sept 11, 2001, there was great concern about hijackers storming the cockpit.  Given the events of 9/11, it is completely understandable.  Placing someone with a weapon and advanced training near the cockpit is thoroughly logical.

However, in the years since 9/11, airline cockpit doors have been redesigned and reinforced, making forced entry seem much less a threat.  Still, air marshals apparently (at least according to the ATA) usually sit in First Class.  This is a theoretical drain on the availability of high-revenue seats in a time when it seems some airlines are decreasing their availability overall, and profitability is certainly the name of the game.

The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association responded with a slightly different viewpoint - claiming that it is inappropriate for the ATA to discuss this issue in the public forum.  Their stance is that the now-ongoing discussion could potentially expose the agency's tactics to terrorists.  I find that a little hard to swallow, as it is not that hard to find anectodal references to this policy on line, especially in travel forums, like Flyertalk.  And of course, again, post 9/11, it made logical sense - that's where you would put a marshal.

Don't get me wrong - if I get the chance to sit in First Class, I take advantage of it.  I'm sure the marshal's even avoid the booze... (giving 100% benefit of the doubt here) The seats are more comfortable, the service is better, the snacks are edible and the line for the lavatory even shorter than coach.  I'll take a premium cabin seat any day of the week over steerage. 

But, it seems that maybe the "upgraded" free rides may be coming to an end, or at least will be diminishing if ATA gets their way.  Too bad for the marshals, but maybe an extra seat in first on a few flights will mean an upgrade or two more for me.